Times are changing and if we plan on keeping up with the changes, we either except them or find ourselves living behind the times.
Regardless of your own personal view on the subject, if someone can excel in any sport, it’s only right that we understand it’s their god given talent that got them to that level of the game.
Connor Mertens is the first active NCAA football player to openly come out, but Michael Sam is the first openly gay play in the CFL after signing a two-year deal with the Montreal Alouettes .
Sam (25) officially came out in February 2014 (just prior to the draft) when he was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.
Sam was cut by the Rams right after the 2014 training camp and spent a short time with the Cowboys’ practice squad before being placed on waivers and never did play on the Cowboys’ roster.
Sam first showed his defensive end abilities while playing four seasons with the NCAA’s University of Missouri Tigers, where he accumulated 123 total tackles, 21 sacks and two interceptions.
Alouettes GM Jim Popp send a release to the media stating “With the signing of Michael Sam, we have become a better organization today and not only have we added an outstanding football player, we have added even a better person that brings dignity, character, and heart to our team.”
Sam told the media “I am very excited and proud to join the Montreal Alouettes and want to thank team Owner Robert Wetenhall, General Manager Jim Popp and Head Coach Tom Higgins for this opportunity.”
He continued to mention “I cannot wait to put on the pads, get back on the field and work hard each and every day with my teammates to bring a Grey Cup to the great fans here in Montreal.”
We wish Sam all the best in his career in the CFL and congratulate the Al’s on this signing of huge proportion.
Interesting enough that this coincides with a release of a study earlier that found Canada was the most accepting English Speaking country for LGBT Athletes.
This is not without controversy as Sam has faced criticism since coming out and fights an uphill battle and in talking to some, his battle won’t be easy.
The CFL has it’s first African-American Commissioner in North American sports and for the CFL to welcome Michael Sam to play pro football in Canada made inroads around the world.
Commissioner Jeffrey L. Orridge said in a statement, “Congratulations to the Montreal Alouettes on the signing of Michael Sam.”
He continued “Our players come to us from different places, different walks of life and ultimately they take different paths to get to our fields. Today is another indication of how open and progressive the CFL is – consistent with our rich and storied history of great football tradition. Welcome to Montreal, Michael!”
